Best Food Grants for Nonprofits in Vermont

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations or those with fiscal sponsors working on community-based food justice and access to healthy, affordable food can apply for Wild Geese Foundation support, with a focus on New England and Vermont. Eligible nonprofits may also work intersectionally across youth, climate justice, and reproductive justice alongside food access and sustainable agriculture.

Vermont schools, nonprofits, municipalities, and government agencies working on food access and farm-to-school or campus programs can seek $25,000 - $100,000 to strengthen New England’s institutional food supply chain. Henry P. Kendall Foundation supports projects that increase locally grown food served to K-12 and college students and benefit regional farmers, fishermen, and producers.

Nonprofit food banks, food hubs, and other food distribution organizations in Vermont and the broader Northeast can receive up to US $50,000 to improve food access infrastructure, such as storage, logistics, and distribution. Farm Credit East supports capital projects that strengthen food access and hunger relief across its multistate territory.

Vermont 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and their families can access funding for early childhood development, food access and hunger, social services, and education programs. Turrell Fund supports high-quality, results-driven initiatives, with special consideration for birth-to-five services, policy and advocacy work, and programs addressing systemic barriers and racial disparities in underserved communities.

Vermont-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits with budgets under $500,000 can seek up to US $15,000 to address racial, economic, social, and environmental disparities in Vermont. Grants from Ben & Jerry's Foundation help Vermont organizations advance equity in areas like food access, housing, education, criminal justice reform, immigrant and workers’ rights, and healthy, affordable food access.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations addressing basic needs, food access, and community well-being in Vermont and other Vermont Mutual Insurance Group territories can apply for support from the VMIG Charitable Giving Fund. Grants help programs that satisfy basic needs, strengthen communities, promote education, and foster youth in eligible New England and New York locations.

Nonprofits, farmers, researchers, and community partners in Vermont and the broader Northeast can seek US $50,000 - US $250,000 for social science research and education that strengthen farming and food systems. Grants from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education support projects on food access, marketing, production, climate, and community sustainability that benefit agricultural communities.

Nonprofit Kiwanis divisions and SLP divisions in Vermont can receive funding to run End Hunger New England meal-packing projects providing 10,000 meals per event. Grants from Kiwanis Foundation of New England offer up to US $2,500 when divisions contribute at least $1,500 and involve at least two clubs, with possible second grants if funds remain.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont and the Northeast U.S. working on food access, nutrition, or related community needs can seek up to US $2,500 for local programs. The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation supports small, under-resourced groups, including those offering youth development, after-school, rehabilitation, arts, science, or emotional support services.

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.

Community Supported Agriculture Grant

Program Overview

This grant is intended to help Vermont-based early childhood providers increase local food access for children through the purchase of community supported agriculture (CSA) shares. Successful applicants will receive a grant to cover the cost of summer and/or fall community supported agriculture (CSA) share(s). Local food provided in these CSA shares must meet the Vermont local food definition and CSA shares must be from a Vermont farm, or farm/producer collaboratives. 

Applications for this grant will be accepted from non-profit organizations and early childhood education (ECE) programs that can serve as the fiscal agent to provide CSA shares to several ECE providers. To maximize the impact of this grant program, VAAFM is encouraging individual ECE applicants to partner with other ECE providers on a single application, with a lead applicant that is either a non-profit organization or an ECE program. All applicants will need to explain their collaboration and coordination efforts with or among ECE providers.

There is no award minimum or maximum for this grant. Grantees will have up to 10 months to complete projects. Longer project periods may be available, with permission from the grant program manager. Pre-award costs may also be available, with permission from the grant program manager. No matching funds are required for this grant.

Grants of up to US $5,000 help Vermont nonprofits and public agencies cover unexpected, time-sensitive costs that affect food access, housing, health, and other basic human needs. Organizations in Vermont facing emergencies or unanticipated opportunities—such as critical equipment failure, emergency repairs, or urgent program needs—may be eligible for Vermont Community Foundation’s Special and Urgent Needs (SUN) funding.

Nonprofits and community groups in Vermont seeking support for food access, hunger relief, or related community health projects can apply for the Norwich Lions Club Community Grants Program. Most awards are between US $250 and US $1,000 and fund direct project or program costs, with preference for efforts serving children, the sick, or people with disabilities.

Disabled Veterans National Foundation

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was established in 2007 to support veterans facing challenges that traditional systems could not fully address. From its earliest days, DVNF has been focused on closing critical gaps in care and providing resources that help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Guided by this commitment, DVNF developed its Health & Comfort programs, offering emergency financial assistance, housing transition support, food assistance, comfort kits, and wellness initiatives. These programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and to provide practical solutions that restore hope and stability. Today, DVNF continues to grow as a trusted national nonprofit. Every day, our team works with a clear purpose: to change lives for the men and women who have served our country.

Veterans Food Assistance Program

It is our goal to ensure that no veteran goes hungry by providing essential food assistance and household support, fostering stability and well-being in the lives of our veterans and their families.

The Veterans Food Assistance Program (VFAP) is designed to provide a one-time grant of essential food and household support to veterans and their families, ensuring no veteran goes hungry. With the rising cost of living, especially food prices due to inflation, this program offers a much-needed lifeline to those who have served our country. Once approved, the DVNF program team will handle the shopping for you.

The Veterans Food Assistance Program provides a one-time grant per household to support different family sizes, given the rising cost of food:

• Married Veterans Grant Allowance
  • Married - No Children up to $250
  • Married - 1 Child up to $300
  • Married - 2 Children up to $450
  • Married - 3+ Children up to $500
• Single Veterans Grant Allowance
  • Single - No Children up to $200
  • Single - 1 Child up to $300
  • Single - 2 Children up to $350
  • Single - 3+ Children up to $450

The Social Impact Fund - Nationwide Grant supports innovative solutions addressing health care access, food security, and economic empowerment. Funded by the American Heart Association, this grant prioritizes community-led projects from organizations with under $10M in revenue. Eligible entities include both for-profit and nonprofit organizations based in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Grants can provide up to $250,000 to initiatives that demonstrate measurable impact, fostering sustainable change in health and wellness.

The No Kid Hungry Grant, provided by Share Our Strength, aims to support schools and community groups in ensuring children have access to nutritious meals. Grants are allocated for essential equipment rather than food, addressing the unique needs of programs serving children. With a focus on reducing financial barriers, the initiative prioritizes funding for the School Breakfast Program and summer meals, ultimately striving for equitable access to resources that help combat childhood hunger and promote community engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and other charitable organizations working on food access and hunger in Vermont can seek funding to combat hunger and promote nutritional wellness. Journey for Good Foundation supports North American programs focused on food-related initiatives, nutrition, education, workforce development, and services for veterans and their families that address poverty holistically.

Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on food access, hunger, or environmental stewardship can access funding through Whole Foods Market’s Store Giving Program. Grants provide biannual financial support for community-based program work near local stores in the U.S., Canada, and the UK, with applications submitted through the Community Engagement Portal.

Nonprofit and for-profit food retailers and food enterprises in Vermont can seek funding to plan or implement projects that expand access to healthy foods in underserved areas. The Reinvestment Fund, through America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative, offers US $20,000 - US $250,000 grants plus technical assistance to strengthen food supply chains, support quality jobs, and revitalize low-income communities.

The Get Schools Cooking Grant supports medium-sized U.S. school districts in transforming their meal programs from processed to scratch-cooked foods. In partnership with the Chef Ann Foundation, it offers a multi-year journey that includes workshops, assessments, and collaborative planning, with a value of nearly $250,000 per district. Eligible districts must demonstrate commitment to fresh, whole foods, leadership support, and self-operated food service.

Focused on food access and hunger, Vermont 501(c)(3) public charities can seek support for programs addressing child hunger and related health needs through the Charles R Wood Foundation. Nonprofits in eligible Vermont counties may apply online year-round for initiatives that improve children’s wellbeing, healthcare access, and community quality of life.

The Oak Foundation Grant supports not-for-profit organizations worldwide aiming to create a safer, fairer, and sustainable future. With a commitment to social justice, the foundation encourages innovative approaches and long-term partnerships. Grants range from USD 25,000 to USD 10 million, focusing on projects that address root causes, ensure sustainability, and foster collaboration. The foundation emphasizes inclusivity and flexibility, aiming to build resilient organizations capable of making lasting impacts.

Food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters that are registered nonprofit organizations in select states can apply for the UNICO Foundation’s Ralph J. Torraco Food Bank/Shelter Fund Grant to purchase food or provide shelter. Vermont organizations may be eligible only if they are domiciled in one of the listed states and serve people in the U.S.

Nonprofits, public schools, tribes, and eligible government entities working on food access and nutrition for children under 18 in Vermont and other U.S. locations can apply for the Food Justice for Kids Prize, with awards up to Up to US $100,000. Grants from Newmans Own Foundation support Indigenous food justice and nutrition education or school food programs.

Nonprofit organizations improving food access, health equity, cancer prevention, or crisis response in Vermont and across the U.S. and Canada can apply for McKesson Foundation grants up to US $25,000. Funding supports programs addressing food insecurity, medicines and meals, preventative healthcare, and related workforce and STEM education efforts for vulnerable and underserved communities.

The .ORG Impact Awards, organized by the Public Interest Registry, honor individuals and organizations connected to .ORG domains for their impactful contributions in areas such as health, education, diversity, and environmental stewardship. Participants can receive up to $50,000 for their chosen non-profit and gain visibility through various promotional platforms. This initiative not only recognizes excellence but also fosters community support and encourages innovative solutions to pressing societal issues.

The purpose of America’s Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) is to improve access to healthy food in underserved areas, to support food supply chain resiliency, to create and preserve quality jobs, and torevitalize low-income communities by providing financial and technical assistance, either directly orthrough other partners and intermediaries, to eligible fresh, healthy food retailers and enterprises toovercome the higher costs and initial barriers to entry in underserved areas. HFFI offers fundingopportunities and technical assistance to eligible applicants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Vermont working on food access, hunger, and related social services can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Social Service Grant; awards More than US $100,000 for program, capital, or general support. U.S.-based nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million and strong, scalable outcomes may be competitive.